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Week 9 picks

Once again the weekend has completely snuck up on me. Let’s at least get some picks in.

Last week: 7-5 Season: 80-34

– Patriots over Dolphins: Strange stat of the year: Miami is undefeated against AFC East opponents and winless against the rest of the league. Last year they went into Foxboro and debuted the Wildcat to great success in a surprise demolition of the Patriots. I don’t see a repeat this year, although this could be interesting. In the end I like Brady and company showing up following a bye week. New England wins a close one.

– Ravens over Bengals: This actually qualifies as a mini-upset since so many people are picking Cincinnati, and the Bengals did win in Baltimore already. However, the Ravens defense proved last week they are still capable of completely shutting down an opponent, and they have an offense to go with it thanks to Ray Rice and Joe Flacco. This will be a very good game, and I like Baltimore in a squeaker.

– Colts over Texans: This is a huge game for Houston in the sense that they have an opportunity to make a huge statement. However, the Colts are playing lights out and shouldn’t have any trouble at home. Incidentally, the Texans suffered a huge blow with the loss of tight end Owen Daniels for the season.

– 49ers over Titans: Tennesee did win a game last week, but now they head on a long west coast trip. The 49ers have had several close losses and are due for a win. They actually played Indy to within one score last week. I like the Niners here.

– Giants over Chargers: The thought of the G-men losing four in a row is completely ridiculous. The Chargers have won two straight but it’s been against the Chiefs and Raiders. I still think the Giants are a playoff contender and they will step up with a big showing here. Keep in mind the Chargers will have to deal with the east coast trip.

– Cardinals over Bears: Upset alert. Call this one a hunch. Arizona has been really up and down, and they seem to play best when no one expects them to. The Bears have been best against mediocre competition, but somehow I think the Cardinals have the talent to win a game like this. I also sense another pick or two for Jay Cutler.

– Seahawks over Lions: Detroit believe it or not is playing better, but they missed their best chance for a win last week against the Rams. Seattle still feels like they’re in the NFC West race, and they smell blood in the water. Seahawks win easily.

– Packers over Buccaneers: Green Bay now has the two Favre reunion games behind them, and now should be ready to focus on football. Tampa Bay is the perfect opponent for Green Bay being that they are looking to get well. Packers win easily.

– Falcons over Redskins: Another blowout here. The Falcons showed well in New Orleans, and the Redskins have not come close to showing up at all. Atlanta by a lot.

– Saints over Panthers: New Orleans is virtually unstoppable offensively, especially at home. Carolina did get a nice road win last week, but reality hits them as they head into the Superdome. Saints win with very little trouble.

– Cowboys over Eagles: This seem like an upset pick, but I really think the Cowboys are starting to play a lot better. I know the Eagles will have Brian Westbrook back, but I have a feeling they’re due for a letdown after last week’s thrashing of the Giants. I like Dallas here in an entertaining game.

– Broncos over Steelers: I am somewhat amazed how many people have quickly jumped off the Broncos bandwagon after one loss. Virtually everyone is picking Pittsburgh to win this game, and while the Steelers have won four straight, two of them came against Detroit and Cleveland. The Steelers also needed to two very fortunate defensive plays to beat the Vikings. The Steelers’ run defense is still very stingy and Ben Roethlisberger is a terrific quarterback, but I like the Broncos to bounce back after last week’s embarrassment in Baltimore. Denver will have the home crowd behind them on Monday night, and I like their ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage. I like the Broncos to win 24-17.